“Don’t you think I know better than most how things change? God, when I think of all that’s happened to me in the last ten years—But that’s not what we’re discussing, is it? No, I feel as if I’m being warned. What is it? What are you saying to me? Be frank. I’m not a politician, and I don’t like having to read between the lines. If you have something to say to me, for the love of God, say it!”

“Ah, Virginia, Virginia—you make it so difficult. No, my child, I’m not trying to warn you of anything, save your own impetuous nature.”

“Are you not? It seems as if you are.”

“Perhaps you aren’t aware of the political situation, not just in Mexico, but in the United States. The scandal of the Whiskey Ring is still a sharp memory in most minds, and even though Babcock was acquitted of conspiracy to defraud the Federal government of liquor taxes, the taint on him, as well as those connected with him, remains. President Grant may have intervened on behalf of his secretary, but too many people believe that the Whiskey Ring is part of a plot to finance the Republican party by fraud. It’s not easy getting bills through Congress or to earn public approval. My influence is not what it once was, I fear, should you find yourself in need of it.”

Ginny frowned as the senator turned away to stump back to his chair and sink down into it again with a muffled sigh of pain. Despite his seeming fragility of health, an aura of strength emanated from him, an indomitable will. She moved to stand close to his chair, studying him in the revealing light through the window. “Is that why you’re so worried lately? Were you involved?”

“Really, Virginia, what kind of question is that!”

“One that needs an answer. You’re right when you say I haven’t kept up with American politics. I’ve been gone so long that it hasn’t mattered to me. But now I find myself wondering if your concern for my safety has anything to do with more of your plots. I haven’t forgotten how you used me and Sonya to disguise the shipment of gold you were sending to Maximilian. I was such a fool. It all seemed so exciting and romantic. Poor Max. It wouldn’t have helped him in the end anyway. But you never thought of my safety then.”

“You’re wrong,” the senator said testily, and thumped the end of his silver-headed cane against the floor. “If not for Steve Morgan, you would have been perfectly safe. He did more damage by abducting you than he did by taking my gold.”